Israel launches ‘pre-emptive’ strikes on Iran amid nuclear tensions Today World News

Israeli Foreign Minister said “Following the State of Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future.” File
| Photo Credit: Reuters

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Explosions rang out across Iran’s capital as Israel claimed it was attacking the country.

People in Tehran, Iran, awoke to the sound of the blast. State television acknowledged the blast. Explosions were heard northeast of Iran’s capital Tehran early on Friday (June 13, 2025), the state-run Nour News said. However, it said the reasons were not immediately clear.

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz announced a “special situation” in Israel over the strikes on Iran. He said schools would be closed in the country on Friday (June 13, 2025). There was no immediate word on what was struck.

“Following the State of Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future,” AFP quoted Mr Katz as saying.

 Israel declared a state of emergency, warning of retaliatory action from Tehran after the Israelis launched a “preemptive strike” on Iran.

“Following Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate term,” a statement from the Israeli Defence Ministry said.

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“Therefore, and in accordance with his authority under the Civil Defense Law, Defence Minister Israel Katz has now signed a special order, according to which a special state of emergency will be imposed in the home front throughout the entire State of Israel.”

Meanwhile, two U.S. officials said that Israel has begun carrying out strikes on Iran, adding there was no U.S. assistance or involvement in the operation, Reuters reported. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, declined to provide further information.

The White House did not have an immediate comment Thursday night.

As the explosions in Tehran started, President Donald Trump was on the lawn of the White House mingling with members of Congress. It was unclear if he had been informed but the president continued shaking hands and posing for pictures for several minutes.